U.S. patent application number 11/460239 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-15 for rolled food product and apparatus.
Invention is credited to Warren Tatham.
Application Number | 20070034094 11/460239 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37741407 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070034094 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tatham; Warren |
February 15, 2007 |
Rolled Food Product and Apparatus
Abstract
An apparatus for preparing a rolled food product, such as sushi.
The apparatus has a container having a first end and a second end,
wherein at least the first end has one aperture. The container is
positionable between a closed position, defining a hollow interior
space, and an open position, presenting a plurality of cavities.
Each of the cavities can receive food material such as rice. There
is also a plunger assembly that passes the aperture when the
container is in the closed position. The plunger assembly is then
used to compress the food material in the hollow interior space to
form a roll having a desired consistency.
Inventors: |
Tatham; Warren;
(Johnsonville, NZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AUSTIN BONDERER, ESQ.
644 BROOKWOOD ST.
BREA
CA
92821
US
|
Family ID: |
37741407 |
Appl. No.: |
11/460239 |
Filed: |
July 26, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60706975 |
Aug 10, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
99/450.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23P 20/20 20160801;
A22C 7/0046 20130101; A23P 20/25 20160801; A22C 25/22 20130101;
A23L 17/00 20160801 |
Class at
Publication: |
099/450.2 |
International
Class: |
A23P 1/00 20060101
A23P001/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for preparing a rolled food product, the apparatus
comprising: (i) a container having a first end and a second end, at
least the first end having an aperture, the container being
positionable between a closed position defining a hollow interior
space and an open position presenting a plurality of cavities, each
cavity adapted to receive food material therein; and (ii) a plunger
assembly configured to pass through the aperture when the container
is in the closed position and compress the food material when
present in the hollow interior space to form a roll having a
desired consistency.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a
removable end cap adapted to removably couple to the second end of
the container.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the removable end
cap is fitted to the second end of the container by an attachment
assembly selected from a group consisting of a twist lock
arrangement, a combination thread/ferule fitting assembly, a
slot/pin attaching assembly, and a snug cap-to-cylinder resistance
coupling assembly.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the removable end
cap has one or more bleeder holes of sufficient diameter to allow
air to be expelled while the roll is compressed during operation
thus reducing or eliminating air pockets in the roll.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the bleeder holes
are adapted to prevent a build up of excessive air pressure within
the container during compression of the roll during use.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plunger
assembly comprises a rod portion and a head portion, the head
portion being of a size sufficient to provide a snug fit within the
hollow interior space of the container when the container is in the
closed position.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plunger
assembly has an elongate rod with a disc or stopper located
adjacent to one end and wherein a length of the rod is greater than
a length of the container.
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plunger
assembly includes a handle.
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the plunger
assembly and the aperture in the first end have complementary mated
threads such that as the elongate rod is turned, the plunger
assembly is advanced through the hollow interior space to compress
the food material when present in the hollow interior space.
10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, further comprising an end
cap removably coupled to the second end of the container to
substantially close off the second end, wherein the threads on the
plunger assembly are located on the elongate rod portion of the
plunger assembly and are of a sufficient length to permit the disc
or stopper to move substantially all of the length of the container
to push the roll out the second end of the container when the end
cap is removed.
11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the container and
plunger assembly are substantially constructed of a material
selected from a group consisting of a stainless steel material, a
composite material, and a plastic material.
12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the container when
in the open position comprises two halves pivotally coupled to one
another by a hinge mechanism.
13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the container
includes a support assembly having one or more support legs for
supporting the container upon a surface.
14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein each of said two
halves of the container has one or more support legs for supporting
the container upon a surface.
15. A method of preparing a rolled food product, the method
comprising: (i) opening a container from a closed position defining
an interior space to an open position to expose a plurality of
cavities; (ii) filling the plurality of cavities with a desired
food material; (iii) compressing down the food material with a rod
of a plunger assembly to form a longitudinal channel in the food
material disposed in each of the plurality of cavities; (iv)
withdrawing of the plunger assembly from each of the longitudinal
channels; (v) filling each of the longitudinal channels with a
suitable edible filling; (vi) placing the plunger assembly at least
partially in one of the plurality of cavities; (vii) combining the
plurality of cavities together to place the container into the
closed position; (viii) pressing the plunger assembly at least
partially through the interior space of the now filled and closed
container to compress the food material and edible filler into a
firm roll; and (ix) placing the container into the open position
and removing the firm roll from the container.
16. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the method further
comprises: (i) attaching the removable end cap to the open end of
the now filled container, (ii) pressing or turning the elongate rod
portion of the rod or piston means to compress the food product
held within the container into a roll, (iii) detaching the end cap,
and (iv) extruding the compressed roll out of the open end of the
container.
17. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the method further
comprises: (i) laying out a sheet of wrapping material and
transferring the firm roll onto the wrapping material; and (ii)
folding the wrapping material about the firm roll.
18. An apparatus for preparing a rolled food product, the apparatus
comprising: (i) a container defining an interior space, said
container having two ends; (ii) wherein each of said ends has an
aperture; (iii) wherein the container has a closed position
defining the interior space and an open position presenting a
plurality of cavities, said cavities being adapted to accommodate
food material; (iv) a plunger assembly having a head portion
adapted to sweep at least partially through the interior space and
an elongate rod coupled to the head portion for driving the head
portion through the interior space, the elongate rod having a
length exceeding a length of the container; and (v) wherein at
least a portion of each of the apertures are adapted to
simultaneously receive the rod when the container is in the open
position.
19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the container
when in the open position presents two cavities, each cavity having
substantially a shape of a half cylinder.
20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the container
when in the open position comprises a first half of the container
hingedly coupled to a second half of the container.
21. The apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein the container
includes a support assembly having one or more legs for supporting
the container upon a surface.
22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein the first and
second halves each have one or more legs for supporting the
container upon a surface.
23. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the aperture
associated with one of the closed ends is capable of receiving said
rod and the aperture of the other closed end has if of sufficient
diameter to expel air.
24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the container has
raised stops disposed in the interior space of the container for
preventing the rod from moving more than a predetermined distance
in the interior space.
25. The apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the container has
a hinge assembly disposed oriented parallel to a longitudinal
central axis of the container for pivotally coupling a first part
of the container to a second part of the container.
26. The apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein, the container
and the elongated rod are constructed of a plastic material.
27. The apparatus as claimed in claim 25, wherein the hinge
assembly is bolted or screwed, adhered or welded, or integrally
molded with the container.
28. The apparatus as claimed in claim 27, wherein the hinge
assembly comprises a plastic, flexure hinge.
29. The apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein a removable
barrier is removably attached to the container via an elongate
flexible element.
30. The apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the elongate rod
with a disc or stopper located adjacent to one end, and wherein a
length of the rod is greater than a length of the container.
31. The apparatus as claimed in claim 30, wherein the rolled food
product is a sponge roll, or vegetable roll, or a meat roll.
32. The apparatus as claimed in claim 30, wherein, the food product
is sushi.
33. The apparatus as claimed in claim 30, wherein the food product
is a jam, ice cream roll or cream roll.
34. The apparatus as claimed in claim 30, wherein the food product
is a biscuit mix.
35. The apparatus as claimed in claim 30, wherein, the food product
is a meat roll, such as a mincemeat or sausage meat roll.
36. A method of preparing a rolled food product comprising: (i)
opening a container from a closed position defining a hollow
interior space to an open position to expose a plurality of
cavities; (ii) filling the cavities with food material; (iii)
compressing down the food material in each cavity by pressing a rod
into each cavity to form a channel in the food material disposed in
each cavity; (iv) withdrawing the rod from each cavity; (v) filling
each channel with an edible filling; (vi) inserting a removable
barrier at one end of one of the cavities, the removable barrier
having at least one aperture of a diameter sufficient to expel
trapped air; (vii) placing the rod at least partially in one of the
cavities; and (viii) combining the cavities together to place the
container into its closed position; and (ix) pressing the rod
through the interior space of the container to compress the
contents of the container into a firm roll.
37. The method as claimed in claim 36, wherein the method further
includes: (i) laying out a sheet of suitable wrapping material and
transferring the firm roll onto the wrapping material; (ii) folding
the wrapping material about the firm roll; and (iii) slicing the
wrapped firm roll into desired sized slices.
38. The method as claimed in claim 37, wherein the food material is
selected from a group consisting of rice, vegetables, meat, sponge,
and potato.
39. The method as claimed in claim 37, wherein the wrapping
material is nori.
40. The method as claimed in claim 37, wherein the edible filling
material is selected from a group consisting of fish slices,
vegetables, dressing, meat, or wasabe.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/706975, filed Aug. 10, 2005, which is entitled
"Rolled Food Product and Apparatus," which is incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a food preparation device. More
particularly the invention relates to a manually operated device
adapted for the preparation of sushi or the like.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Sushi is a Japanese food with over a thousand years of
history and tradition. It has become the most visible example of
Japanese cuisine in New Zealand and other Western Countries.
[0004] Sushi began as a way of preserving fish. The raw, cleaned
fish was pressed between rice and salt by a heavy stone for a few
weeks. After this period, the stone was removed and replaced with a
light cover. A few months after that, the fermented fish and rice
were considered ready to eat.
[0005] It was not until the 18th Century that a chef by the name of
Yohei decided to serve sushi in its present form. He eliminated the
fermentation process altogether. It is said that the use of rice
wine vinegar is reminiscent of the earlier fermentation
tradition.
[0006] Sushi comes in at least three forms. An Osaka variation,
which is probably the more elaborate form, is prepared
traditionally by pressing rice in wooden boxes. The more familiar
form of sushi to Westerners comes from Edo, the old name for Tokyo,
and consists of hand-rolled rice. This particular style is called
nigiri sushi.
[0007] Maki sushi is the form of sushi most familiar to us. Maki
sushi is a "rolled sushi" with narrow strips of different
ingredients (seafood, meat, chicken, crisp vegetables, or pickles)
layered on a bed of vinegar rice and spread on a sheet of nori or
seaweed. This form of sushi is very popular because it can be
tailored to suit a variety of tastes where just about any
ingredient can be rolled into the centre from crisp vegetables,
strips of fish, meat, chicken, egg or even avocado.
[0008] Although sushi is now very popular with Europeans, no easy
way has been devised to make what is essentially a very simple
product. Sushi is after all just strips of fish, or even meat
rolled in rice and wrapped in crisp, thin sheets of dried seaweed
or nori. The filling generally also contains wasabe (Japanese
horseradish), usually as a paste, although this is not
necessary.
[0009] As intimated earlier although sushi is a simple dish it is
extra-ordinarily difficult and messy to properly prepare. There has
been a long felt need to be able to prepare sushi quickly, with a
minimum of mess and with a consistent size and texture. The
foregoing invention attempts to overcome the above disadvantages,
and to provide an apparatus which is durable in construction,
reliable and efficient in operation, easy to clean, and relatively
simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is an object of this invention to provide an improved
apparatus and/or method for preparing rolled food products and more
particularly for the preparation of sushi, or one, which at least
will provide the public with a useful choice.
[0011] In a first aspect of the invention there is provided for an
improved apparatus for preparing a rolled food product, the
apparatus comprising:
[0012] (i) a hollowed container having a fixed closed end and an
open end, the closed end having recesses forming an aperture about
its centre, the container being separable, in an open position,
such that a plurality of cavities is formed, the cavities being
adapted to accommodate food material, and
[0013] (ii) a rod or piston means configured to fit the recesses or
aperture and for its suitability to compress the food product to
form a roll having a desired consistency.
[0014] Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a removable end
cap adapted to fit to the open end of the container when in a
closed position.
[0015] Preferably, the removable end cap is fitted to the open end
of the container by any suitable means such as a twist lock
arrangement, a combination thread/ferule fitting, a slot/pin
attaching means, or a snug cap-to-cylinder resistance type of
fit.
[0016] Preferably, the removable cap has one or more bleeder holes
of sufficient diameter to allow air to be expelled thus reducing or
eliminating air pockets and providing for a food roll of superior
consistency. Further, the air holes preferably, prevent a build up
excessive air pressure within the container.
[0017] Preferably, the piston means comprises a rod portion and a
head portion, the head portion being of a size sufficient to
provide a snug fit within the container when in a closed
position.
[0018] Preferably, the piston means is an elongate rod with a disc
or stopper located adjacent to one end, the length of the rod or
piston being sufficient to extend along the longitudinal axis of
the container and beyond.
[0019] Preferably, the piston means has a handle.
[0020] Preferably, the piston means and the aperture formed by the
recesses at the fixed closed end have complementary mated screw
threads such that as the rod is turned the piston is advanced and
the food product compressed.
[0021] Preferably, the screw thread located on the rod portion of
the piston is of sufficient length to provide for both compression
of the food product when the end cap is attached and thereafter, on
removal of the end cap, to allow the food product to be extruded
from the open end as a roll.
[0022] Preferably, the container, removable end cap and rod or
piston are constructed of a material which is easy to clean such as
stainless steel, a composite material or a plastic material.
[0023] Preferably, the container when opened divides into two
halves, the separate halves being attached by a hinge means such as
a clip/latch hinge, a groove and lip arrangement, a plastic flexure
hinge, or an integrally moulded fold line along its longitudinal
axis.
[0024] Preferably, the container is provided with a support means
such as feet or legs, and preferably wherein each of said halves
has feet or legs.
[0025] In a second aspect the invention provides for a kit of
parts, the kit including the individual components comprising the
apparatus according to any one of the foregoing aspects. In
particular, individual parts comprising the apparatus includes but
is not limited to:
[0026] (i) a container, separable into portions, having one fixed
closed end and an open end,
[0027] (ii) a piston means with or without a screw thread and/or
handle, and
[0028] (iii) an end cap which is attachable to the container when
in a closed position.
[0029] In a third aspect of the invention there is provided an
improved method of preparing a rolled food product the method
comprising:
[0030] (i) opening the container portion of the apparatus according
to any one of the preceding Claims to expose a plurality of
cavities,
[0031] (ii) filling the cavities with a desired food material such
as rice, vegetables, meat, sponge or potato, to a level
approximately equal to the high edge of the opened container
sides,
[0032] (iii) optionally tamping down the food material with the rod
or piston by slotting the rod or piston in the recess(es) to form a
channel,
[0033] (iv) optionally withdrawing the rod or piston,
[0034] (v) optionally filling the channel with a suitable filling
such as fish, meat, vegetables or wasabe,
[0035] (vi) placing the piston inside the container at the closed
end,
[0036] (vii) combining the cavities together to reform the
container into its closed position,
[0037] (viii) pressing the piston through the aperture of the now
filled and closed container to compress the contents into a firm
roll,
[0038] (ix) attaching the removable end cap to the open end of the
now filled container, pressing or turning the rod portion of the
piston to compress the food product held within the container into
a roll,
[0039] (x) detaching the end cap, and
[0040] (xi) extruding the compressed roll out of the open end of
the container, and if appropriate depending on the food product,
and optionally
[0041] (xii) laying out a sheet of suitable wrapping or envelope
material such as pastry or crisp seaweed (nori), transferring the
packed contents of the filled container onto the wrapping
material,
[0042] (xiii) folding the wrapping material about the food material
and optionally slicing the wrapped food material into desired sized
slices.
[0043] In a fourth aspect, the invention provides for an apparatus
for preparing a rolled food product, the apparatus comprising:
[0044] a hollowed container, said container having two closed
ends,
[0045] optionally each of said closed ends having apertures about
their centre,
[0046] the container being such that a plurality of cavities is
formed when in an opened position,
[0047] said cavities being adapted to accommodate food material,
and wherein the aperture form recesses,
[0048] said recesses capable of housing a rod or piston; and
optionally further comprises a rod or piston and/or optionally a
removable barrier means.
[0049] Preferably, the container when opened forms two
cavities.
[0050] Preferably, the container when opened divides into two
halves which remain attached along the hinge line.
[0051] Preferably, the container is provided with a support means
such as feet or legs.
[0052] Preferably, each of said halves has feet or legs.
[0053] Preferably, the container has closed ends having apertures
about their centre and wherein in one closed end the aperture forms
a recess, said recesses capable of housing a rod or piston; and
wherein the other closed end, the apertures are of sufficient
diameter to expel air.
[0054] Preferably the container has raised stops enabling the
piston to move a predetermined distance.
[0055] Preferably, the container has a hinge means about its
longitudinal central axis.
[0056] Preferably, the container, removable barrier, and rod or
piston are constructed of a material which is inexpensive to
manufacture and easy to clean, such as a plastic material.
[0057] Preferably, the hinge means may be bolted or screwed,
adhered or welded, or integrally molded with the container about
its longitudinal axis.
[0058] Preferably, the hinge means are plastic, flexure hinges.
[0059] Preferably, the removable barrier means is removably
attached to the container via a flexible cord or chain.
[0060] Preferably, the hinge means is/are aligned off-centre such
that a bi-stable spring action is effected, enabling easy opening
and closing of the container.
[0061] Preferably, the rod or piston is an elongate rod with a disc
or stopper located adjacent to one end, the length of the rod or
piston sufficient to extend along the longitudinal axis of the
container and beyond.
[0062] Preferably, the food product is a sponge roll, or vegetable
roll, a meat roll or the like.
[0063] Preferably, the food product is sushi.
[0064] Preferably, the food product is a jam, ice cream roll or
cream roll.
[0065] Preferably, the food product is a biscuit mix.
[0066] Preferably, the food product is a meat roll, such as a
mincemeat or sausage meat roll.
[0067] In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a method of
preparing a rolled food product comprising:
[0068] opening the apparatus as described above,
[0069] filling the cavities with food material such as rice,
vegetables, meat, sponge or potato, to a level approximately equal
to the high edge of the opened container sides,
[0070] tamping down the food material with the rod or piston by
slotting the rod or piston in the recess(es) to form a channel,
[0071] withdrawing the rod or piston,
[0072] filling the channel with a suitable filling such as fish,
meat, vegetables, wasabe, or the like,
[0073] optionally inserting a removable barrier means such as disc
at one end of the filled cavity, said disc comprising an aperture
at its centre of a diameter sufficient to expel trapped air,
[0074] placing the piston inside one end of a cavity,
[0075] combining the cavities together to reform the container into
its closed position, pressing the piston through the aperture of
the now filled and closed container to compress the contents into a
firm roll, and if desired
[0076] laying out a sheet of suitable wrapping or envelope material
such as pastry or crisp seaweed (nori), transferring the packed
contents of the filled container onto the wrapping material,
[0077] folding the wrapping material about the food material and
optionally slicing the wrapped food material into desired sized
slices.
[0078] Preferably, the food material is rice.
[0079] Preferably, the wrapping material is nori.
[0080] Preferably, the filling material is fish slices or similar
filling material such as vegetables, dressings or meat, and/or
wasabe or the like.
[0081] The reader will of course realise that products of similar
construction to sushi with similar difficulties in preparation will
also fall under the umbrella of this invention. Such products
contemplated include, but are not limited to, sponge rolls, meat
rolls, ice cream rolls, vegetable rolls, pastry rolls and the like.
In fact almost any food product containing an inner roll of
material and an outer jacket, casing or envelope will fall within
the scope of this invention.
[0082] Preferred forms of the invention will now be described with
reference to the following Figures and Examples.
[0083] The foregoing examples are illustrative only and, where
specific integers are mentioned which have known equivalents, such
equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually
set forth.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0084] FIGS. 1-12 are schematic views illustrating preferred
embodiments of the first aspect of the invention.
[0085] FIG. 1 shows a food rolling apparatus in an open position
without an end cap
[0086] FIG. 2 shows a food rolling apparatus in a closed position
without an end cap and wherein the rolled food product is also
illustrated.
[0087] FIG. 3 shows a food rolling apparatus in closed position
with end cap attached.
[0088] FIG. 4 shows a food rolling apparatus wherein the end cap is
removed and the screw thread attachment means highlighted.
[0089] FIGS. 5-7 shows alternative end cap arrangements.
[0090] FIG. 8 shows a food rolling apparatus with end cap removed,
the end cap attachment means being by way of a twist lock
arrangement.
[0091] FIG. 9 illustrates the food rolling apparatus without end
cap attached but with screw threaded piston in operating
position.
[0092] FIG. 10 as for FIG. 9 and showing the clip attachment
locking the two portions of the container in place.
[0093] FIG. 11 illustrates a further version of the food rolling
apparatus. This time in open position showing piston, click fit
catches and support feet.
[0094] FIG. 12 illustrates the recesses forming the aperture, the
recesses having screw threads.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0095] The Schedule of items to which Examples 1-3 relate can be
found immediately after the preferred method of use, the subject of
Example 4.
EXAMPLE 1
[0096] Referring now to FIGS. 1-2 this example illustrates the food
rolling apparatus in a basic form wherein only one end of the
container is permanently fixed or closed and the rolled food
product is extruded by pressing the piston through the filled
cavity. In this embodiment, mould assembly (1) having an upper
mould and lower mould case (3,4) is shown in an open position (FIG.
1) with piston platen (5) and rod (6) (the piston), seated within
the mould assembly and resting on a recess complementary to recess
(8). End wall (7) is coupled with upper and lower end plates
(13,14). The mould assembly has an open end (12) from which rolled
food product (2) once compressed by the piston is delivered in
extruded and consistent form. The upper and lower mould casings are
coupled by hinge (11). Supporting feet (9,10,18,19) are located on
both the upper and lower mould cases and allow the substantially
cylindrical mould assembly to be filled more easily.
EXAMPLE 2
[0097] FIGS. 3-8 illustrate preferred methods for attaching a
removable end cap to the closed (and filled) mould assembly, or in
a form suitable for storage when not in use. In FIGS. 3-5 the end
cap (29) is attached to the mould assembly by complementary screw
threads (25,26,27,28) located as illustrated. Bleeder holes (30)
allow air to be released during compression of the food
product.
[0098] FIGS. 6-8 show an alternative twist/lock attachment means
whereby lug locking slots (33a,b,c,d) protruding from the internal
face of the end cap (29) are rotated to snap fit with lugs (32) on
the Mould assembly cases.
EXAMPLE 3
[0099] Referring to FIGS. 9-12, the piston rod has an external
screw (40) located along and around a substantial portion of the
shank of the piston (41). The piston has a handle (42,43), which
the user will rotate, to a first position until substantial
resistance occurs indicating that the rice has been suitably
compressed. The end cap is then removed and the piston further
rotated until all of the contents are extruded and made available
to be eaten or further processed. FIGS. 9-12 also illustrate latch
fittings (44,45,46,47,48) by which the upper and lower mould cases
are coupled.
Preferred Modes of Use
EXAMPLE 4
[0100] Instructions for use: [0101] 1. With the two halves of the
former (mould assembly) opened out, cooked sticky rice is placed in
both cavities to more or less fill both parts. The sticky rice will
hold its shape at the open end of the cylinder during this phase.
[0102] 2. The long rod portion of the piston is used to create a
channel in the rice in both cavities. [0103] 3. Fillings to suit
are placed in the channels. [0104] 4. Once the ingredient filling
has been added, the piston is placed on the inside face of the end
plate and the two halves of the former closed together to form a
closed cylinder that is secured by clips. [0105] 5. The removable
end cap is then coupled to the open end of the tube and secured by
a twist lock or similar to prevent the cap from detaching from the
tube. This prevents rice and filling from escaping from the tube
during the compaction phase. The securing method could be a thread
or ferule arrangement, or a slot/pin with a twist to lock action.
[0106] 6. With the end cap secured, the piston rod is pushed or
screwed a short distance (about 20-25 mm) into the cylinder to
compact the rice and filling mix. In a preferred form the rod and
fixed end plate have mating threads allowing the rod to be turned
and advanced into the cylinder to initially compact the rice and
filling mix. Compaction is deemed to be complete when substantial
resistance to any further turning is felt. [0107] 7. Once firm
resistance to the piston is detected, the end cap can be removed
and the rod arrangement then turned further to continue the advance
of the rod/piston into the cylinder. This action drives the formed
plug of rice and filling from the now open end (cap removed) of the
former. If this is done with care a neat plug of rice with filling
is extruded. If the operator works with the open end close to a
flat surface the roll can be set onto that surface. Once completely
free of the former the roll can then be placed onto the roller
device as described and claimed in NZ 516910 and the nori rolled
over the plug. [0108] 8.The two features that distinguish the
improvement or modification over the main patent relate to the
removable end cap and the use of a threaded rod to force the roll
from the cylinder. Likewise, the mode of operation relating to the
improvement or modification differs from the main patent in that
instead of opening the two cavities out to remove the roll, the two
halves of the former remain clamped until the formed roll has been
fully extruded from the former device. [0109] 9. For the fixed end
cap each half of the end plate includes a threaded section, such
that when the cavity is closed and clamped, the "nut" is complete
and provides a complete thread through which the rod can then be
turned to advance it and the piston along the cylinder. In one
embodiment a handle is incorporated on the rod to make the turning
function easier.
[0110] Schedule TABLE-US-00001 1 mould assembly 2 product 3 upper
mould half case 4 lower mould half case 5 piston head 6 piston rod
7 end plate half wall 8 piston rod bearing 9 lower half case foot
10 lower half case foot 11 hinge 12 mould case open end 13 upper
mould end plate 14 lower mould end plate 15/16 product/filling 17
mould parting line 18 upper feet (optional) 20 rod movement 21
extruded product 25 mould end external thread 26 upper external
thread cut back 27 lower external thread cut back 28 cap internal
thread 29 end cap 30 air release vent holes 31 cap end wall 32 lugs
33 lug locking slots 34 raised end cap face 35 end cap sealing ring
40 piston external screw (optional) 41 piston shank 42 handle 43
handle head 44 resilient latch 45 catch 46 over-centre latch 47
over-centre latch 48 latch wire 50 internal screw bearing 51 rotary
journal 53 mould side sealing ridge 54 mould side sealing trough 55
mould side sealing ridge 56 mould side sealing trough 57 lower
screw half bearing 58 upper screw half bearing
Variations
[0111] The skilled reader will instantly realise that the present
innovation may have one or more features that are common to the
trade that may be replaced, added to or deleted without departing
from the scope of the invention. For example, the method of
attaching the end cap to the container may vary as the way the two
"halves" of the shell casing are brought or hinged together.
[0112] Further, the innovation may also broadly be said to consist
in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the
specification of the application, individually or collectively, and
any or all combinations of any two or more of the parts, elements
or features and where specific integers are mentioned herein which
have known equivalents such equivalents are deemed to be
incorporated herein as if individually set forth.
[0113] Throughout the description and claims of this specification
the word "comprise" and variations of the word, such as "comprises"
and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives,
components, integers or steps.
[0114] Also throughout the description references to rod or piston
refers an integer that enables a user to create a channel in the
food mixture to accommodate fillings, if desired, and also to
compress and extrude the food roll. In many instances the rod or
piston will have a shaft portion and a disc or head portion
configured to fit snugly within the container.
[0115] It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has
been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all
such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be
apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within
the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth
and claimed in the following claims.
* * * * *